and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "Thus it is written" isn't just a statement of fact, but a powerful claim: the suffering and resurrection of Christ were not accidents, but the direct fulfillment of God's ancient plan. This shows that even the most painful and perplexing events in life can ultimately be understood within the grand narrative of God's redemptive purposes.
and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus, having just appeared to his disciples and opened their understanding to the Scriptures, is now explaining the foundational message of his mission. He is emphasizing that his suffering and resurrection were not accidental but were explicitly foretold in the Old Testament, making it the necessary path to fulfilling God's plan. This sets the stage for the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations.
Did Jesus' suffering and resurrection catch God by surprise? Absolutely not. This verse reveals that these pivotal events were not accidents but the fulfillment of a divine blueprint.
Jesus’ followers often found it hard to grasp that suffering was part of God’s plan. But here, Jesus directly connects His suffering and resurrection to what was 'written.' This emphasizes that these events were not a deviation from God’s will, but its very core.
Foreseen, Not Accidental
The 'Must' of Suffering
The title 'Messiah' or 'Christ' often conjured images of a conquering king. Jesus, however, powerfully redefines it here, linking it inextricably with suffering.
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Jesus confronts a common misunderstanding of the Messiah. The expectation was a glorious king who would overthrow Roman oppression, not one who would be 'put to death.'
Redefining the Christ
Why Suffering Was Essential
The resurrection isn't an add-on to the Christ story; it's intrinsically linked to His suffering, fulfilling another vital part of God's written plan.
The statement doesn't end with suffering; it climaxes with resurrection. This isn't a happy accident but a foregone conclusion based on Scripture.
The Third Day Significance
Proof and Promise
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The Greek term for the Hebrew 'Messiah,' referring to the Anointed One of God who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies regarding the redeemer of Israel. He is the central figure of the New Testament, embodying the roles of prophet, priest, and king.
This verse speaks directly to the disciples on the very day of Jesus' resurrection. It highlights how Jesus, now resurrected, is teaching them to see his suffering and death not as a tragic defeat, but as the necessary, foretold fulfillment of God's plan, rooted in the Old Testament.
c. 1500 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishing the Mosaic covenant and providing the foundational Law. This event sets the stage for the entire history of Israel as God's chosen people.
c. 700 BC
Prophecies of Isaiah
The prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of a suffering Servant of God who will bear the sins of the people. These prophecies would have been understood by many Jews as pointing towards a future Messiah.
c. 500 BC
Return from Exile
After decades of Babylonian captivity, the Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This event brought a renewed focus on Messianic hopes and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
c. 4 BCE - c. 30 CE
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth lives, teaches, performs miracles, and proclaims the Kingdom of God. His ministry fulfills many Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, including his suffering and death.
c. 30 CE— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and then rises from the dead on the third day, validating his claims and fulfilling the prophecies he had taught his disciples.
c. 30-33 CE
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appears to his disciples over a period of 40 days, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures concerning his suffering and resurrection. This period culminates in his ascension.
This passage from Isaiah is a powerful prophecy directly foretelling the suffering of the Servant of the Lord, which Jesus is now fulfilling, showing that his suffering was not an accident but part of God's plan.
Psalm 16:10This psalm speaks of God not abandoning the speaker's soul in Hades and not letting His holy one see corruption, pointing forward to the resurrection of Christ on the third day.
Hosea 6:2This verse speaks of a future revival after two days, and on the third day God will restore us, directly foreshadowing the resurrection on the third day after Christ's suffering.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4This passage summarizes the core of the Gospel message, echoing Luke 24:46 by stating that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
pooleLuke 24:46: "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"
All the Divine predictions are certain and infallible. The Jews did maliciously and freely prosecute our Saviour to death, and God did certainly foresee how their wills would be determined, and the event was accomplished accordingly.
vincentLuke 24:46: "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"
Thus it behovedThe best texts omit. Render, as Rev., thus it is written that the Christ should suffer.Christ (τὸν Χριστὸν)Note the article, the Christ, and see on Matthew 1:1.
The phrase "Thus it is written" isn't just a statement of fact, but a powerful claim: the suffering and resurrection of Christ were not accidents, but the direct fulfillment of God's ancient plan. This shows that even the most painful and perplexing events in life can ultimately be understood within the grand narrative of God's redemptive purposes.
Jesus, having just appeared to his disciples and opened their understanding to the Scriptures, is now explaining the foundational message of his mission. He is emphasizing that his suffering and resurrection were not accidental but were explicitly foretold in the Old Testament, making it the necessary path to fulfilling God's plan. This sets the stage for the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations.
Jesus, having just appeared to his disciples and opened their understanding to the Scriptures, is now explaining the foundational message of his mission. He is emphasizing that his suffering and resurrection were not accidental but were explicitly foretold in the Old Testament, making it the necessary path to fulfilling God's plan. This sets the stage for the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations.
"and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead," — The phrase "Thus it is written" isn't just a statement of fact, but a powerful claim: the suffering and resurrection of Christ were not accidents, but the direct fulfillment of God's ancient plan. Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026